Corporal Robert Francis Hardy Conservation Area – Mansfield, MA

Corporal Robert Francis Hardy Conservation Area is a lovely forested parcel of land in Northern Mansfield. It’s a great place to go if you have a couple hours and you want to spend some time outside.

Things to do here: This isn’t a huge park but it does have a couple miles of trails with a nice map at the Maple St entrance (though the map case isn’t always stocked so you might want to snap a photo of the map on your way in). Activities available include the following:

Hiking: There is a small trail network here with a couple miles of trails that allow for a few different routes through the forested area. Routes range from a little over a quarter mile to nearly a mile and a half.

Ice Skating: Ice skating is available on the pond at this area though be careful and ensure that the ice is thick enough to safely skate on.

Cross Country Skiing and snowshoeing: The trails at this area are fairly wide and suited for cross country skiing and snowshoeing if there is enough snow to permit it.

Bicycling: The trails in this park are well suited for a ride through the woods and biking is permitted on the trails.

Dog Friendly: Dogs are permitted in the park and the trail network makes for a great place to bring your dog out.

Facilities, Fees and other information: Park use is free and there aren’t any facilities beyond a parking area and information board with a trail map. Keep in mind that this park also can be very full of insects that can be really annoying. It’s probably a good idea in warmer weather to bring some bug spray with you.

Directions: This park is located on Maple St. in Mansfield. If you’re coming from Downtown Mansfield you’ll take North Main St. until you go through the intersection with Route 106. At the fork you’ll bear right and then bear right on Maple St. The parking will be on your right side next to the entrance to one of the towns municipal water wells (Cate Springs Well). If you’re using a GPS Device the address for the municipal well that is right next door to the parking area should get you there. That address is:

99 Maple St.
Mansfield, MA 02048

Nearby spots: If you’re looking for a park with tennis, basketball, a playground and other facilities drive a couple miles up the road to Memorial Park. For more hiking, disc golf and a few other great things to do I’d head up the road to Borderland State Park in Easton.